Del Norte Public Library shows off remodel

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DEL NORTE— Del Norte Public Library Director Susan Williams welcomed patrons, members of the Del Norte Chamber of Commerce and some of the library board on Tuesday, Oct. 24 to reopen the newly remodeled library. After a week of nearly 90 man hours, hard work paid off as the grand reopening ribbon was cut and the library doors swung open on an entirely new scene. Patrons and other guests made their way up the cement steps and into a wide-open space beyond the library doors.
Anyone who has been in the library throughout the many years it has resided in Del Norte, knows one thing is for certain, the space is cramped and though it is a book lover’s dream, it was far from being conventional for the needs of patrons today. Through the hard work and dedication of the current director and staff, the library has been transformed into a modern day treat for the mind. The books have been weeded through, disposing of the old and unused ones to make way for the new and giving the favorite books room to breathe.
Light can now filter through the once covered windows, giving the open front room an easy, family-friendly atmosphere that is sure to be enjoyed by children and their parents. When the project began a week ago, Williams and her Assistant Librarian Vilate Thacker stated how much they wanted to have the children’s area near the front so staff and parents could be close to help with anything the younger crowd may need. The new children’s area is the first thing patrons see as they walk through the doors, full of brightly colored books and fun characters peeking out of the stacks to entice young readers to enter.  
One of the most exciting aspects of the new remodel is just to the left of the children’s area, which is the bank of new computers, printers, scanners and fax machines. While parents handle the office business and check their emails, their children can occupy themselves at the children’s area, making the experience for families that much more enjoyable. The new computers and other office equipment was purchased through a USDA loan the library received earlier this year.
The back of the library is wired for up to 24 more computers if staff need to add more and the adult, non-fiction and young adult fiction are in the back away from the children’s area so patrons can have a quieter, more private experience unlike before. The entire ambiance of the library has changed with just a light blue coat of paint and shelves that are still packed, but welcoming to patrons.
Finally, the library has installed a new system that issues patrons their own library cards and gives them access to an online catalog. Patrons can come in and sign up for their library cards, which they receive on the spot and then can have access to a database known as AspenCat through the Colorado Library Consortium (CLiC). Patrons can now access eBooks as well as order interlibrary loans for real books through their card.
The library has come a long way and is still trying to expand the building, but in the meantime, has used their resources in the best way possible to offer the community of Del Norte every service they can including up to date technology. Be sure to stop in to take a peek.